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Sexual dimorphism in clock genes expression in human adipose tissue
P Gómez-Abellán1, J A Madrid, J A Luján
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
Obesity Surgery
|November 15, 2011
Summary
Sex differences exist in human adipose tissue clock gene expression, with higher levels in women. These findings correlate with metabolic syndrome traits and highlight the need for further chronobiology research.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Molecular Biology
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Investigating sex-based variations in adipocyte clock gene expression within subcutaneous and visceral fat depots in severely obese individuals.
- Understanding the role of circadian rhythm genes in obesity and metabolic health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if sex-related differences in adipocyte clock gene (PER2, BMAL1, CRY1) expression exist in severely obese patients.
- To explore the correlation between clock gene expression, metabolic syndrome features, and anthropometric/demographic factors.
Main Methods:
- Studied 16 morbidly obese patients (8 men, 8 women) undergoing gastric bypass surgery.
- Collected paired subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue samples for gene expression analysis using qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry.
- Assessed metabolic syndrome parameters including waist circumference, glucose, lipids, and BMI.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher expression of PER2, BMAL1, and CRY1 in women compared to men across both adipose tissue depots (P < 0.05), with greater differences in visceral fat (P < 0.001).
- Western blot confirmed differences for PER2 and CRY1 (subcutaneous), but not BMAL1 protein levels.
- Clock gene expression correlated with LDL-C, HDL-C, body fat mass (women), and age (men).
Conclusions:
- Clock gene expression in human adipose tissue is sex-dependent in morbidly obese individuals.
- These sex-based differences in clock gene expression are linked to metabolic syndrome traits.
- Further research into the molecular basis of sexual dimorphism in chronobiology is warranted.
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